Child Custody and Visitation

Some of the most difficult family law concerns revolve around child custody and visitation, known as “companionship time” and “parenting time” in Ohio. Whether you are faced with these difficult decisions during divorce or are an unmarried parent dealing with paternity and custody, we are prepared to help you advocate for your child’s best interests. In every case, we are guided by the principle of protecting the best interests of the children involved.

Child custody cases can be settled in a variety of ways. It is often in the best interest of all parties involved to reach an agreement through mediation, collaborative law or negotiation. You and your child’s other parent will be tied to one another for years to come. Developing and maintaining the least contentious relationship possible may ease future co-parenting and decision-making. In some cases, going into the courtroom is the only option for reaching a resolution to disputes regarding physical and legal custody. If this is the route we must take, we will thoroughly present your case and aggressively defend your right to spend time with your children and remain involved in their lives.

THIRD PARTY CUSTODY AND GRANDPARENT’S RIGHTS

In some child custody cases, it is possible for someone other than a child’s parent to gain custody of the child. This is known as a third-party custody case. If you are seeking representation for a third-party custody matter, our family law attorneys are here to offer experienced advice and advocacy. Third-party child custody cases can arise for a number of reasons. In cases in which the child has lost a parent, another relative may pursue custody to ensure the well-being of the child. In other cases, the child may be in a harmful or at-risk situation due to an unfit parent. In deciding third-party custody cases, courts are guided by the principle of protecting the best interests of the child and the fitness of the biological parent. Our lawyers are well-versed in the factors courts determine when deciding these cases and can help you pursue your third-party custody rights.

We represent grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, godparents, people in same-sex relationships and other nonparents seeking custody of children.

CHILD SUPPORT

In Ohio, child support is determined by guidelines that take into account the number of children, both parents’ incomes and other important factors. Certain factors can result in a deviation from the standard guidelines. If you are seeking child support or paying child support, it is very important to work with an attorney who is well-versed in Ohio child support laws and understands how and when deviations apply.

CHILD SUPPORT DEVIATIONS

When determining child support, the courts are guided by the principle of protecting the best interests of the child. When the standard guidelines do not serve that purpose, judges have discretion to deviate from them.

Circumstances that may call for a deviation from standard child support arrangements include:

Special needs of the child such as a disability

Child support obligations from another relationship

Visitation considerations such as travel expenses

Also, when the income of both parents is in excess of $150,000, child support cases are looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Whatever your situation, our lawyers will work with you personally to help you understand your legal options. With sound legal guidance, you can be equipped with the information you need to make informed decisions about child support and other family law matters.